JUDICIAL AND OTHER LEGAL PROFESSIONALS hear legal and other matters in courts and tribunals; interpret, analyse, administer and provide advice on the law; and draft legislation.

Indicative Skill Level:In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification and at least five years of relevant experience. Judges require appointment by the government or crown and must have been a Magistrate or an experienced legal practitioner of at least seven years standing. Magistrates must have been a legal practitioner of at least five years standing (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

researching statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases

conducting trials and hearings

calling and questioning witnesses

hearing and evaluating arguments and evidence in civil and criminal summary matters

deciding penalties and sentences within statutory limits, such as fines, bonds and detention, awarding damages in civil matters, and issuing court orders

exercising arbitral powers if resolution is not achieved or seems improbable through conciliation

preparing settlement memoranda and obtaining signatures of parties

advising government of legal, constitutional and parliamentary matters and drafting bills and attending committee meetings during consideration of bills